Nigerians resident in the United Kingdom have written to President Goodluck Jonathan and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, on their perceived fears over the 2011 elections.

In an open letter signed by Prince Omotunde Adenikinju, they accused a few unnamed political actors of dissipating energy on mundane issues instead of addressing national issues. Acting under the aegis of Wazobia Democratic Concern (WDC), the compatriots noted that while Nigerians were groaning under poor infrastructure and lack of empowerment, some influential politicians were promoting divisive tendencies in their quest to acquire power at all cost.

Describing the trend as ominous as the country prepares for the elections, they warned that any attempt to frustrate the conduct of credible polls could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria.

According to them, the successful conduct of the elections holds the key to the country regaining its past glory as the hope of the Black race “unless it had accepted to relinquish the leadership role to smaller African countries, where undisputed elections were held lately”. Part of the letter reads: “We are concerned about the mode of campaign going on at home. We are of the belief that Nigerians deserve more than what they are getting now after more than 11 years of democracy. There is no way the majority of the citizens of our country can derive the huge benefits inherent in a democratic dispensation if the political actors have chosen to obscure critical issues relating to the welfare of the majority.”

THE KILLING OF AN IMMIGRANT IN A FAILED ROBBERY.

An armed robber walked into a Baychester Shell station, pulled a gun and announced a robbery. He was confronted by two attendants, the robber fired several rounds, killing one and wounding the other, said Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.

Lamine Diop, 35, a father of two young children, was declared dead on arrival at Jacobi Hospital after being struck three times in the leg. He lived with his wife, Layla, in an apartment in Mott Haven, Bronx. His kids, ages 4 and 2, live with his mother in Senegal, said lifelong friend, Elhadie diaye.

Diop emigrated to the United States 13 years ago and he worked the night shift at the gas station. A man who identified himself as Diop’s cousin said the slain man didn’t like the job would but would say, “I have no choice, I have bills to pay.” Diop regularly sent money home to his mother in Senegal, the cousin said – adding that the family hopes to return his body back home to Senegal for burial.

Olakunle O. Bolarinwa,

Is a Nightline Family Member Of The Voice Of America {VOA}.

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